Mayan peoples have lived throughout the Yucatán Peninsula in southeast Mexico for more than two millennia. Throughout their long history, “maize” (corn) has been not only the most important food in their diet but also has played a significant role in their culture, religion and art. In Mayan thought, human beings were created from and live in communion with maize—both caring for and being sustained by it.
The Mayan maize god Hun Hunahpu stares back at its viewer, evoking great regenerational power from its 2.5-inch-tall head.
Pendant, Maya, Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico, 250–900 A.D.; greenstone; 2.5" x 2". 4/6276
Photo by NMAI Staff
Between 250 and 900 A.D., the ancient Mayan peoples built large ritual and civic centers such as El Mirador, Tikal, Copan, Uxmal, Chichén Itzá and Palenque. These impressive cities were supported by maize cultivation, and throughout them, images of their maize god, Hun Hunahpu, were carved into architectural panels, painted onto murals and ceramics, molded into clay sculptures and carved into jade and greenstone pendants such as this one in the National Museum of the American Indian collection.
In Mayan art, the maize god is shown in various stages of life, including as a baby emerging into the world from water and an old man on the verge of death. As is depicted on this pendant, he is also frequently portrayed as a male youth with a tufted head and trifurcated headdress representing corn stalks. As such, he embodies triumphalism and the power of regeneration.
The Mayan people still hold celebrations throughout the year to honor the importance of corn and its growth cycle, from seed to harvest. As one K’iche’ Mayan calendar keeper Roberto Poz Pérez said, “This is our land. We speak our language, and we know our roots. Our traditions are alive. We know how to grow our sacred food, corn, and also know about our calendars. Our children will maintain the knowledge alive.”